Jesse Reed
Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu is slated to receive a hefty contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals.
On Monday, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report spoke about how Mathieu’s impending contract will compare to Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith. Smith just inked a five-year extension worth $51.25 million, making him the richest safety in the NFL in terms of average salary on a long-term deal.
Cole notes the fact that the Cardinals have already stated that Mathieu is the best safety in football. They love the fact that Mathieu is more than just a safety. When needed, he easily slides into the slot and can cover the swiftest of receivers. Because of that, Cole reports Mathieu will likely earn over $11 million per year on average when he ultimately signs his new deal.
What’s interesting about all this is the fact that Mathieu is currently rehabbing a torn ACL, making it his second ACL injury since becoming a pro.
He is certainly one of the top defenders in the league, regardless of position, when healthy. But a deal of this magnitude will assuredly include loads of guaranteed cash. As a point of reference, Smith’s brand new deal Monday included $15.27 million fully guaranteed.
The Cardinals haven’t made any issues of his injury history, though, and it’s already been speculated that he’ll end up being the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
“They view him as one of the faces of the franchise and their community efforts,” Ian Rapoport said, via NFL.com. “… From what I am told a new payday is expected to make him among the highest paid, if not the highest-paid safety in the NFL and don’t be surprised, if all goes well, if this is done before everyone breaks for the summer.”
Since joining the NFL a few years ago, Mathieu has been a model citizen off the field and has been a wrecking ball on it. He’s a key player on Arizona’s vaunted defense and will definitely earn his paychecks if he can stay avoid injuries in the future.
